Threat to life:
Leave Vivian Ottih alone, FIDA to Gerald Irona
The International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA, Imo State chapter has called on the immediate past deputy governor of Imo State, Gerald Irona to desist forthwith from harassing, intimidating and threatening the life of Barr Vivian Ottih, a renowned Journalist, Broadcaster, human rights activist and a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party who, like Irona also hails from Oguta.
This was contained in a petition written by FIDA on behalf of Vivian Ottih and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command Headquarters.
The petition dated October, 14, 2022 and signed by Ndidi Anike Esq as Chairman and Ositadinma C.l. Ikememenogo, as Secretary which was copied to the PDP Chairman, Oguta ward A, Hon Emma Okorie, Oguta L.G.A. Chairman of PDP, the State Chairman of PDP, Engr Charles Ugwu, the National Chairman of PDP, lorchia AUU, National Secretary of PDP, Senator Samuel Auyanwu PDP National Woman Leader, Prof Stella Effah- Attoe, the Nigeria Bar Association Owerri, Chairman, Oguta Local Government, President, Awa Town Union, President, Eze-in-Council, Oguta L.G.A and the Press reads in part, ‘’We write on behalf of our client Ms Vivian Ottih (Esq) upon whose expressed consent we state the following facts. It is our instructions that our client who is a member of people’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Awa Ward in Oguta LGA has come under various attacks on her person with constant arrests, intimidation and harassment from Engr. Gerald Irona who is also a member of PDP Oguta, Ward A in Oguta L.G.A.
“Our Client is a law abiding citizen and member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri, Federation of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) Imo State Chapter, the Nigerian Union of Journalists and The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists has also come under a heavy and serious threats to her life. This was demonstrated on the early hours of Wednesday the 12th of October 2022, when our Client was accosted and arrested by over 20 armed men of the police force at the premises of Heritage FM Owerri, a plan orchestrated to frustrate her effort to attend an important party meeting in her ward scheduled in the invitation annex. A ploy to deny her fair hearing and ensure an obnoxious and unfavourable decision against her.
“It has been observed that the level of violence both physical and emotional melted on our client by Engr. Gerald Irona has gotten to its abysmal state and something needs to be done urgently to safeguard the lives of our client and her children because recently Barr. Vivian Ottih (Our Glient) was attacked and robbed of her phones and other personal belongs along Amakohia/Orlu Road.
“She has reported of seeing strange faces around her dwelling house and environs. She has been receiving strange calls from unknown and undisclosed phone numbers. Our Client was told that she was being trailed and even gave the colour of the car that she drives. It is also on record that this is not the first time she has been told that she is being closely watched and monitored by unknown persons.
“This unfortunate turn of events have kept our Client so emotionally and psychologically traumatized as she cannot freely go about her daily activities for fear of being molested or attacked. Our Client cannot earn a living decently for fear of’being constantly harassed and intimidated by Engr Gerald Irona and his thugs and this cannot go on, and same has also put the lives of her children and wards in jeopardy.
“The police is here to ensure the protection of lives and properties and should see this is done manifestly. Citizens cannot take the law into their hands by subjecting others to physical, emotional and mental torture.
“It is for this reason and many more that we humbly request that you use your good offices to see that this threat is stopped and that our client be allowed to continue her activities in peace.
“We look forward to your ever prompt response to this petition, and thank you in anticipation.
Please be assured of our highest regards of your person’’.
